Your Smartphone SIM Type: Standard SIM, Micro SIM or Nano SIM?

Find out which size of SIM card is required by your new smartphone: Standard SIM, Micro SIM or Nano SIM.

If you’re getting a new smartphone, you’ll need to make sure you have a SIM card of the right size to fit in your phone. If you’re changing mobile networks (e.g. to a SIM-only deal or Pay As You Go SIM), you’ll also need to make sure you order a SIM card of the right size.

Depending on the model of smartphone you buy, there are three sizes of SIM card that can potentially be used in your phone: Standard SIM, Micro SIM and Nano SIM.

In this article, we’ll look at the differences between the three types of SIM card. We’ll list the required SIM card size for different handsets and we’ll discuss how you can order a SIM card of the right size. Finally, we’ll look at how to change the size of your SIM card (e.g. into Micro SIM or Nano SIM).

To find out exactly what size of SIM card is required in your phone, please select your handset using the interactive tool above. Alternatively, you can read on for more in-depth information about the required SIM card size in different handsets.

The three SIM card types work in exactly the same way from a technical perspective. They just differ in the amount of plastic housing that surrounds the metallic chip. Nevertheless, you’ll need to make sure you have a SIM card of the right size to fit in your handset. The tables below should help you to find a SIM card of the right size.

If your phone doesn’t appear on this list, please drop us a comment below and we’ll endeavour to add it as soon as we can.

Alternatively, you can refer to your manufacturer’s handset manual for more information. The dimensions of each SIM card type are provided earlier in this article.

Ordering the Right SIM Card

Once you’ve determined which size of SIM card is required by your phone, you’ll be in the position to now order a new SIM card of the right size. In the following section, we’ll explain how you can order a new Standard SIM, Micro SIM or Nano SIM.

If you’re prompted during the checkout process to specify the size of SIM card you require, you can choose either “Standard SIM”, “Combi SIM” or “Trio SIM” (the latter two SIM card types incorporate a Standard SIM as the outermost SIM card).

Micro SIM

All UK mobile networks also offer a micro-sized SIM card. This is often provided in the form of a Combi SIM or Trio SIM where your Micro SIM will pop out from the centre of a Standard SIM.

If you’re prompted during checkout to select your size of SIM card, you can choose either “Micro SIM”, “Combi SIM” or “Trio SIM”. If you choose the Trio SIM option, extra care should be taken to remove the Micro SIM correctly (it’s very easy to accidentally remove the Nano SIM).

If prompted to select a SIM card type during checkout, you can choose either “Nano SIM” or “Trio SIM”. With a Trio SIM, the Nano SIM will pop out from the innermost portion. It’s not possible to use a “Combi SIM” in your handset as this will only support Standard SIM and Micro SIM handsets.

Changing SIM Card Size

If you currently have a SIM card but it’s of the wrong size, you’ll need to replace it before you can use it in your new smartphone.

Generally, the best way to do this is to ask your mobile network for a replacement. If you’re outside the minimum term of your contract, there could be a suitable SIM-only deal for your usage. Meanwhile, if you’re inside the minimum term of your contract, it’s sometimes free to get a replacement SIM card but some mobile networks can charge you up to £10.21.

If you’re changing from Standard SIM to Micro SIM, you can also use a Micro SIM cutter tool (available for around £5 on Amazon). Due to differences in thickness, this isn’t possible if you’re changing to Nano SIM (a Nano SIM you’ve cut down yourself will be slightly too thick, and has the potential to get jammed in your Nano SIM slot).

Baiba Revinasaid:

Hi Baiba,
Sometimes, the contact between your SIM card and the mobile phone might not work for some reason (e.g. due to a problem with the SIM card). Have you tried testing the SIM card in a different device? Alternatively, you can order a free SIM card from elsewhere and test it inside your phone.
Ken

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About Ken

My passion is helping people to get the most out of their mobile phone. I've been blogging at Ken's Tech Tips since 2005.

Aside from writing about mobile technology, I have an interest in software development, digital marketing and physics. Outside of the blog, I work with numerous technology companies helping them to market their product to consumers. Find out more.